Last night, Clay Bavor, Google’s VP of Virtual and Augmented Reality, confirmed via Twitter that HTC’s Daydream headset would not see the light of day. It’s unclear why HTC abandoned the Daydream partnership, especially when you consider that the company already finalized the headset design. The Vive Focus headset is basically the same headset that would have come to North America. Both devices feature the same internal hardware, and the teaser images HTC released of each device indicate that they would have shared roughly the same shape and design.

HTC did not immediately respond when we asked for more details about the choice to cancel the device.

Google doesn’t seem to be perturbed by HTC backing down from the Daydream partnership. Bavor said that Google and HTC “remain great partners.” HTC’s departure from the Daydream platform is a slight blow to Google’s standalone headset plans, though. The HTC headset was set to be the first of its kind, so the cancellation must have set Google's plans back somewhat. But HTC's headset wasn’t the only device in development: Lenovo is also building a standalone Daydream headset, and Bavor said he’s “been using and loving” his Lenovo Daydream HMD.

We’re not sure when Lenovo plans to release its standalone Daydream headset, but Bavor said that he'd have more details to share soon.

Seriously, I played VR for the first time over 20 years ago in an arcade in Florida - jus' like 3D TV it needs so much work still to bring it into the popular masses as a convenient, cheap and inviting way to spend time.